Tafsir of Al-Ma'idah 5:14

Al-Ma'idah (5:14)

And among those who said, "We are Christians," [We took a covenant from them]...

The meaning here is that the path of the Christians is like the path of the Jews in breaking the covenants made with God.

The text says, "And among those who said, 'We are Christians' ( wa min alladhīna qālū innā naṣārā)," and not simply "And among the Christians." This is because they only claimed this name in assertion of supporting the Most High God, as they are the ones who said to Jesus, "We are the helpers (Anṣār) of God" (Al 'Imran: 52). Thus, this name was, in reality, a title of praise. God, the Exalted, clarified that they claim this attribute but are not described by it in God's sight.

His statement, "We took their covenant ( akhadhnā mīthāqahum)," means that it was written in the Injil (Gospel) that they must believe in the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

The indefinite form of "a portion ( ḥaẓẓan)" in the verse indicates that only one portion is meant, which is the one we mentioned: belief in Muhammad (PBUH). This single portion was singled out even though they abandoned much of what God commanded them because this was the most significant and important part.

His statement, **"...so We incited among them enmity and hatred ( fa-aghraynā baynahum al-'adāwata wa-l-baghḍā'),"** means We attached enmity and hatred to them. It is said, "So-and-so incited [another] against so-and-so" when he became obsessed with him, as if he were glued to him. The substance that adheres is called al-ghirā' (glue).

Regarding the phrase "among them ( baynahum)," there are two interpretations:

1. Between the Jews and the Christians.
2. Among the sects of the Christians themselves, as some of them declare others to be disbelievers until the Day of Resurrection. This is similar to His saying, "Or He may confuse you into sects and make some of you taste the violence of others" (Al-An'am: 65).

And His statement, "And God will inform them of what they used to do," is a warning to them.

O People of the Scripture! Our Messenger has indeed come to you, making clear to you much of what you used to conceal of the Scripture, and passing over much. There has come to you from God a light and a clear Book.